30 Years in Construction: A Few Things We've Learnt Along the Way

When you've been in construction for more than 30 years, you pick up a few lessons along the way.

Some come from experience; some come from getting things wrong and learning how to do them better next time and some are simply about understanding that, while buildings and technology change, people and relationships are still at the heart of a successful project.

Since Ewson Contractors was established in 1990, we've seen plenty of changes in the construction industry. Technology has moved on, regulations have evolved and the types of projects we work on today are very different from those we started with.

But there are a few things we've learnt that haven't really changed at all.

A good reputation takes years to build

One of the biggest things we've learnt is that, as a business, your reputation really does matter. And, as a family business in particular, we’re very aware that our name is attached to every project we take on. That means doing a job properly isn't just about ticking a box and moving on. It's about being able to look back at the work and know that we've done something we're proud of – and one that the customer can be proud of too.

We've been fortunate to build long-standing relationships with customers over the years, some of whom have worked with us for many years. That's something we never take for granted.

You can find out more about our story and the people behind Ewson Contractors here.

Communication really does make a difference

It sounds simple, but we've learnt that good communication can make a huge difference to a project.

Construction can be complicated enough without people wondering what's happening, who's doing what or when something is going to be completed.

Whether we're carrying out ongoing commercial property maintenance, managing facilities or working on a larger construction project, we believe customers should know what's happening.

And because we're a relatively hands-on business, our customers generally know who they're dealing with too. Over time, we also get to know their buildings, their businesses and the way they work. That familiarity can be incredibly valuable.

No two projects are ever quite the same

Another thing we've learnt? You can plan, plan again and then plan some more – and construction will still find a way to surprise you!

Over the years, we've worked across food, chemical, engineering, commercial and residential sectors, taking on everything from smaller maintenance jobs through to projects worth several million pounds.

That variety is one of the things we enjoy most about what we do.

It also means experience matters. You never know exactly what you're going to find when you start work on a building, and having people around who have seen a lot of different situations over the years can make all the difference.

Take a look at our services to see some of the different ways we can help.

You can't underestimate the importance of good people

Construction is a team effort.

We've learnt that having the right people around us – both within the business and the specialist contractors and suppliers we work with – is incredibly important.

We have built relationships with trusted specialists over the years, allowing us to bring in the right expertise when a project needs it. It's one of the advantages of experience: you build up a network of people you know you can rely on.

Quality isn't something you switch on and off

After 30 years, we've also learnt that quality control needs to be part of the process from the beginning.

Good planning, clear communication, experienced people and proper processes all play their part. Our ISO 9001 quality management accreditation provides a framework for maintaining standards, but ultimately, quality comes down to the attitude you bring to every job.

The same applies to health and safety and our responsibilities towards the environment. We're continually looking at how we can improve the way we work, from staff training and safety procedures through to responsible waste management and making more sustainable choices wherever we can.

The job isn't necessarily finished when you leave site

Something else we've learnt is that good customer service shouldn't stop when the tools are packed away.

Our dedicated customer care team deals with maintenance issues during the post-completion 12-month defects liability period, giving customers that additional reassurance once a project is complete.

For us, it's part of looking at the bigger picture rather than simply completing a job and moving on.

And perhaps the biggest lesson of all...

After more than three decades, perhaps the biggest thing we've learnt is that people remember how you work with them.

They remember whether you answered the phone. Whether you kept them updated. Whether you turned up when you said you would. Whether you dealt with a problem sensibly. And, of course, whether you did a good job.

Those things matter just as much today as they did when Ewson Contractors began back in 1990.

We're still a family business. We're still based in Malpas. And we're still working with businesses and customers across Cheshire, North Wales and the wider North West.

Of course, we're not standing still. The industry will continue to change and we'll continue to learn, adapt and embrace new ways of working.

But the fundamentals will stay the same: do a good job, look after your customers, work with good people and take pride in what you do.

Thirty years has taught us that those are values worth holding on to.

If you'd like to talk to us about a construction project, property maintenance or facilities management, get in touch with Ewson Contractors. We'd be happy to have a chat.